Authored by 
Reviewed by New York State is a very diverse region, popularly renowned for its iconic city, New York City. Often referred to as the โEmpire State,โ itโs a place where you can find a bustling metropolis and quiet countryside.
However, beneath its dynamic exterior lies the persistent and escalating drug crisis. In New York City alone, every three hours, someone dies of an overdose. The city’s drug supply has become increasingly unpredictable due to the presence of substances like fentanyl and xylazine, which significantly heighten the risk of overdose and other drug-related harms.
Sadly, New York State opioid overdose death rates increased by 70.7% in 2021. Drug rehab in NY is a core solution for this ongoing health crisis. Continue reading to learn about addiction health strategies in NY.
Table Of Contents:
New York Drug Abuse Statistics
Locally, New York City serves as a national transportation hub for many illicit drugs. Cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and MDMA are often smuggled into the city directly from drug source countries or indirectly through transit countries in Latin America, Europe, and the Caribbean. This influx has contributed to the state’s complex drug crisis.
As a consequence, opioid overdoses are a growing problem in New York State. The number of people visiting emergency rooms due to opioid overdoses jumped from 12,306 in 2020 to 13,560 in 2021. New York State high school students reported using illicit drugs at the following rates:
- Cocaine (3.6%)
- Heroin (3.4%)
- Methamphetamine (3.5%)
- Synthetic marijuana (7.1%)
While these rates may seem small percentage, these rates are higher than the national average. Sadly, the crisis keeps getting worse. Overdose deaths surged 12% from 2021 to 2022, with fentanyl detected in 81% of these fatal cases. Only in New York City,ย over 3,200 drug overdose deaths (nearly 9 people per day) occurred in the 12 months ending in April of 2023.
In 2023 alone, over 4 million fake fentanyl pills and over 500 kilos of fentanyl powder were seized in the area by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Regarding alcohol, New York has the third-lowest alcohol death rate in the U.S., but excessive alcohol deaths increased by 44.2% from 2015 to 2019. Men account for 67.2% of these fatalities.
Rehab Centers in New York
In response to this critical situation, New York has one of the most extensive rehabilitation networks in the country, with 894 facilities across the state. With a focus on evidence-based practices and holistic rehab approaches, find drug rehab in NY below:
Inpatient Drug Rehab Centers in New York State
New York State provides a network of 246 inpatient rehab facilities dedicated to helping individuals overcome substance abuse.
These centers offer intensive, residential treatment programs designed to address addiction and support long-term recovery around the clock. 57 of these New York inpatient rehabs can offer drug detox services.
Outpatient New York Rehabs
If your addiction isnโt severe and you prefer to maintain your daily responsibilities while receiving professional care, New York State has 612 outpatient rehab centers, providing flexible and accessible treatment options while remaining at home.
Outpatient programs can vary in intensity and services offered, including, but not limited to, individual counseling, group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups. Of these 612, 233 are intensive outpatient programs, and 521 of these programs can offer methadone maintenance treatment. Likewise, 98 of these rehab centers can offer outpatient drug detox services.
New York Alcohol Rehabs
The frequent co-occurrence of drug and alcohol addiction requires specialized facilities offering integrated treatment programs to address both substances simultaneously.
472 rehab centers New York can deal with this medical scenario, and treatment typically includes a combination of detoxification, behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment (when appropriate), and support groups.
If you are only looking for alcohol addiction treatment, 406 alcohol-only rehab centers can help you overcome alcohol dependence through a variety of therapeutic interventions and support mechanisms. 145 of these programs can start with a medically supervised detox phase to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
Rehabs in NY for Mental Health
Rehab centers in NY for co-occurring disorders are specialized facilities that provide integrated services for individuals who are simultaneously battling substance abuse and mental health disorders.
This is particularly important since individuals with mental health conditions are twice as likely to experience a substance use disorder compared to the general population. Specifically, for individuals with schizophrenia, the likelihood of having a substance use disorder can increase to as much as 50%.
487 rehabilitation centers in New York are equipped to simultaneously manage patients with co-occurring disorders, including both mental health and substance abuse disorders.
Private Rehabs in New York
In New York, 750 rehab facilities accept private health insurance, offering individuals a pathway to recovery without the stress of significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Private health insurance coverage for rehab can vary significantly depending on the policy and provider. Generally, it may cover a portion or the full cost of detoxification, residential treatment programs, outpatient services, individual and group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and aftercare planning.
Check with your insurance provider and the rehab facility directly to understand what services are covered, coverage levels, any out-of-pocket costs, and if any prior authorizations are required.
Medicaid/Medicare for Rehab Centers NY
New York State has a robust Medicaid program that covers a wide range of substance abuse treatment services. This includes both inpatient and outpatient care.
Medicaid typically covers detoxification, residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and outpatient counseling. 797 drug rehab centers in New York will accept Medicaid.
Medicare coverage for substance abuse treatment is more limited than Medicaid’s. While it covers some services, it might not fully cover the rehab cost. Medicare can cover detoxification and some outpatient mental health services, but inpatient rehab coverage is often limited to specific circumstances. 494 addiction treatment centers in NYC will accept Medicare.
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost New York State?
New York State treats the highest number of patients for substance abuse disorder out of all 50 states and ranks 22nd in the cheapest to most expensive state for residential drug rehab services.
New York offers a wide range of treatment options, from outpatient care costing an average of $1,706 per patient to residential programs with an average cost of $56,653 for 30 days. 5 free rehab NYC are available for anyone who canโt afford treatment or doesnโt have insurance.
Insurance Coverage New York Drug Rehab
In determining insurance coverage for drug rehab costs in New York City, itโs essential to start by checking with your specific insurance provider, as coverage can vary significantly depending on your plan and the insurance company.
Fortunately, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as โObamacareโ, includes substance use disorders as one of the ten elements of essential health benefits, requiring that health insurance plans sold on Health Insurance Exchanges or provided by Medicaid include addiction treatment services.
A list of the largest private companies that provide rehab insurance coverage is provided below:
- Aetna
- Amerigroup Insurance
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Humana
- Kaiser Permanente
- Kemper Directย (former Unitrin)
- Providence Health Plan
- State Farm Medical Insurance
- United Healthcare
7 Top Rehabs in New York
To help you navigate your options, we have compiled a list of some of the 8 best rehab centers NY. Each center has its approach to addiction treatment, ensuring that individuals can find a program that resonates with their journey toward recovery:
Cassena Care, Long Beach Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Long Beach, NY
Cassena Care is a future for cognitive health. The treatment center is committed to delivering the best rehabilitation quality and nursing care in the region. Their concept is just three โ renew, restore and rehabilitate โ all of these reflect their commitment to improving both the physical and emotional health of their clients. They give out everything it takes to their patients to sustain their good health. They also offer follow-up for their patients when they leave their facility in NY.
This drug and alcohol rehab NYC offers a lot of services, including specialist services, dialysis services, and physician services. They have both long- and short-term rehabilitation. They also have occupational, physical, speech, respiratory, and IV therapy.
Mountainside Treatment Center, New York City Chelsea, NY
Mountainside is a New York drug treatment center that provides a safe refuge for people who need advanced and personalized addiction recovery support to maintain and develop a sober life in the heart of the state. They offer a load of treatment ranging from assessments, sober peer-to-peer coaching, drug counseling, and sober activities. This facility helps its clients by giving them recovery support that allows them to fit into their busy urban life.
This drug rehab New York offers abuse recovery solutions that work according to their clientsโ needs and preferences. Their services are available every hour of every day, either in person, via text, and on the phone. Their recreation mentors are there to help you strengthen and advance your recovery.
New York Center for Living, New York City, NY
At the New York Center for Living, they are helping their clients to grow. They offer addiction and mental health care and follow-up care for adolescents, young adults, and families. The age range for their teenagers older than 12 and the young adults up to 30 years old. They offer continuing education training programs and public lecture series for professionals where they learn the facts about addiction and recovery.
NY Center for Living provides help to those researching addiction, looking for substance abuse rehabilitation, or in need of a referral. They make use of traditional therapies based on evidence and the 12-step method in addition to holistic and compassionate treatment plans for their clients.
Exponents, New York City, NY
Exponents help to improve health and ignite hope. They are a non-profit rehabilitation facility in New York located in the heart of the state. They are compassionately dedicated to serving and helping those suffering from substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, incarceration, and other behavioral health changes. They deliver all of these services through a client-centered, strength-based approach. This helps to improve health outcomes and promotes overall wellness in the community.
Exponents have clients from every corner of the state, and they visit the facility during any of their addiction and recovery stages. Many of their clients are suffering from more than one chronic condition, including inherited substance abuse.
Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo, NY
ECMC is one of the largest substance use treatment and rehabilitation centers in NY. They offer comprehensive inpatient and outpatient treatment services to men and women struggling with addiction, mental health disorders, and co-existing disorders. Their compassionate team of specialists offers their best services to individuals and the community at large.
The treatment modalities at this drug and alcohol rehab NYC center include evidence-based therapies and approaches that yield results. Through various forms of holistic healing, clients are treated as a whole which helps them lead a sober and successful life once they leave the center.
Arms Acres, Bronx, NY
Arms Acres is one of the private rehabilitation centers in NY that provide the highest quality professional treatment to individuals suffering from chemical addiction, co-occurring disorders, and other mental health issues. The center offers a caring and respectful environment where each client is assessed and evaluated individually so a customized treatment plan can be created for them.
Through their diverse treatment programs that are offered in outpatient and inpatient facilities, clients and their families are provided with education and counseling, which lets them continue their recovery and prevent relapse. The holistic treatment approach at the center offers physical, mental, and spiritual rehabilitation to the clients.
Conifer Park, East Glenville, NY
Conifer Park is one of the rehabilitation centers in NY that offers chemical dependency treatment services on a campus that is sprawled across 32 acres of beautiful wooden and green landscapes. In a tranquil and serene environment, clients are offered new hope and resolve to look forwards towards a sober and recovered future.
The center offers inpatient detox, outpatient services, adult and adolescent rehabilitation. The treatment is directed towards a customized approach for each client where they are offered a wide range of evidence-based therapies and holistic treatment.
Choosing Drug Treatment Centers NY
With many options available, finding a facility that aligns with your specific needs, preferences, and circumstances is crucial. The process can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating the complexities of treatment methods, insurance coverage, and accreditation.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Ensure the facility holds the necessary credentials like the Joint Commission or CARF.
-
- Choose a center offering programs designed for you (i.e., detox, inpatient, outpatient).
- Understand your insurance benefits and find a center that accepts your plan.
- Look for experienced and qualified addiction professionals.
- Gain insights from former patients’ experiences.
- Consult with an addiction specialist for recommendations based on your specific needs.
- If possible, tour the center to get a firsthand impression.
- Choose a place where you feel comfortable and supported.
Drug Rehab NY โ Final Thoughts
New York’s ongoing drug crisis is a complex challenge that requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors. The stateโs proactive measures, such as establishing supervised drug-use sites, are steps in the right direction, but much work remains to be done.
New York drug laws are one of the contention solutions. Minor possession of less dangerous drugs can lead to misdemeanor charges or citations, while possession of large amounts can result in felony charges. Drug trafficking, one of the most serious offenses, can lead to life sentences.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, explore the resources available in New York to find the support and care needed to overcome addiction and reclaim your future.
People Also Ask
What is the penalty for drugs in NY?
Penalties for drug crimes in New York range from a fine up to $100 for marijuana possession under certain scenarios. Possession of large amounts can result in felony charges, while drug trafficking can incur a life sentence.
What drugs are illegal in New York?
Illegal drugs in New York include cocaine, heroin, marijuana (in large quantities), MDMA, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other controlled substances.
What is New York drug takeback?
New York drug takeback programs provide safe disposal sites for unused or expired medications to prevent misuse and protect the environment.
Hope Without Commitment
Find the best treatment options. Call our free and confidential helpline
Most private insurances accepted
Find Drug Rehabilitation Centers Near You Anywhere In the US
Addiction Resource team has compiled an extensive list of the top drug rehabilitation facilities around the country. Click on the state you are interested in, and you'll get a list of the best centers in the area, along with their levels of care, working hours, and contact information. Haven't found the rehab you need? Call the toll-free helpline below for professional assistance.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Page Sources
- Alcohol and drug use - NYC Health. https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/alcohol-and-drug-use.page
- New York State Opioid Annual Data Report (2023). https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/opioid/data/pdf/nys_opioid_annual_report_2023.pdf
- Continuing crisis: Drug overdose deaths in New York. Office of the New York State Comptroller. https://www.osc.ny.gov/reports/continuing-crisis-drug-overdose-deaths-new-york
- Drugs and Crime City Profile: New York. https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs4/4530/index.htm
- Alfonseca, K. (2023, September 26). Overdose crisis reaches historic levels in New York City. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/overdose-crisis-reaches-historic-levels-new-york-city/story?id=103470582
- Communications, N. W. More than 80% of people who inject drugs test positive for FentanylโBut only 18% intend to take it. https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2023/may/fentanyl-new-york-city.html
- Year in Review: DEA innovates to fight Fentanyl. (2024, January 18). DEA. https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2024/01/18/year-review-dea-innovates-fight-fentanyl
- Alcohol Abuse Statistics [2023]: National + State Data - NCDAS. (2024, May 2). NCDAS. https://drugabusestatistics.org/alcohol-abuse-statistics/
- Office of The Special Narcotics Prosecutor for The City Of New York. (2024, January 5). Opioid crisis | Special Narcotics Prosecutor -New York City. Special Narcotics Prosecutor NYC. https://www.snpnyc.org/opioid-crisis/
- National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services. (2021, July 14). https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/n-ssats-national-survey-substance-abuse-treatment-services
- Part 1: The Connection between Substance use Disorders and Mental illness | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022, September 27). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/part-1-connection-between-substance-use-disorders-mental-illness
- Average Cost of Drug Rehab [2023]: by Type, State & More. (2024, May 2). NCDAS. https://drugabusestatistics.org/cost-of-rehab/
- ย Substance Abuse and the Affordable Care Act. The White House. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/ondcp/healthcare